Spinning Ball Game Apparatus and Game Play

ABSTRACT

A spinning ball game and game apparatus includes a hollow sphere within which a plurality of smaller spheres, such as metal balls, are captivated. The agitation and movement of the sphere causes orbital and randomized motion of the smaller balls within the sphere&#39;s interior. Various game play patterns are provided which utilize the manipulation skills of the game player in maintain a predetermined distribution of the small balls orbiting and moving within the sphere interior. The sphere includes a designated zone on the sphere interior surface. Typically, the sphere is held by a player, during game play, such that the zone occupies the lower portion of the sphere.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/826,930 entitled SPINNING BALL GAME APPARATUS AND GAME PLAY filed May 23, 2013 in the names of Ted Larkins and Andrew Lombardi, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to handheld skill game apparatus and game play pattern utilized in conjunction therewith and particularly to handheld games which are moved and manipulated by the user to affect predetermined movement of game elements within the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Practitioners in the toy and game arts have for many years provided a virtually endless variety of handheld games. Long before the advent of electronic games, practitioners provided a continuing stream of non-electronic, non-powered game apparatus which could be played by simply holding the game apparatus and manipulating it. Once such handheld game apparatus which proved to be extremely popular and long-lasting in its popularity utilized a closed housing having a clear transparent top allowing the user to view the interior of the housing. Within the housing, a surface, usually flat, is supported which in turn defines a plurality of small holes or indented recesses situated upon the flat surface. Often the various holes or indented recesses include numeric scores in combination therewith. Within the housing, one or more small spherical balls, such as conventional “B-Bs” which freely roll upon the interior surface and maintained within the housing closure. As the user manipulates and tilts the housing, the ball or balls are moved toward or away from the various holes or indented recesses. The game object typically includes causing the ball or balls to come to rest within selected holes or indented recesses. Such game and game apparatus proved to be exceedingly popular due in part to their relatively unsophisticated low-cost manufacture.

As the popularity of such game apparatus and games continued, practitioners in the art often provided variations of the basic game which included multiple tiers within the housing, angled surfaces and obstacles situated at various positions upon the interior flat surface.

While the foregoing described types of game apparatus and games have improved the toy and game art and in many instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for ever more improved, amusing, interesting and entertaining handheld manipulatable game apparatus and games play in association therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided, a spinning ball game apparatus comprising: a generally spherical housing formed of a transparent material and defining a generally spherical interior surface; a zone formed on a portion of the interior surface; and a plurality of spherical balls substantially smaller than the housing captivated within the housing and freely rolling upon the interior surface, the balls moving into orbital motion against the interior surface when the housing is rapidly moved.

Thus, the present invention provides a spinning ball game apparatus and game play which includes a relatively large clear or transparent housing defining closed exterior walls and a generally spherical interior wall surface. The exterior walls and interior wall surfaces enclose an interior volume. A plurality of smaller spheres are enclosed within the interior volume and are freely movable upon the interior wall surfaces. Thus, the freely movable spheres are caused to roll about the spherical interior wall surfaces in response to movement of the housing enclosure.

Game play includes play patterns in which the user holds the larger housing within which the smaller spheres are captivated and by moving the housing excites the small spheres within the interior into motion against the interior walls. By careful control of housing movement and timing the various movements of the housing, the user is able to impart various combinations of motion against the interior wall surfaces on the part of the smaller spheres. By varying the type of motion and its magnitude and timing, various combinations of movement and motion may be imparted to some but not all of the small spheres. By still further variation of movement, all of the spheres may be moved in a continuous motion about the interior surfaces of the housing.

The housing may be formed in a variety of shapes. For example, a spherical shape may be utilized which provides a substantial variation of motion travel for the small spheres within the enclosure. Alternatively, different shapes having generally spherical interior wall surfaces such as a spherical segment, frusto-conical or toroidal shapes may be utilized. In alternate game play, the small spheres may be identical or alternatively, may be varied in color or marked with some distinguishing indicia such as a number or symbol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a spherical spinning ball game apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of the spinning ball game apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 2-2 therein;

FIGS. 3A and 3B set forth partial section views of the sphere closure utilized in completing the fabrication of the spinning ball game apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention spinning ball game apparatus within a “try-me” product package;

FIG. 5 sets forth a section view of the package set forth in FIG. 4 taken along section lines 5-5 therein;

FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention spinning ball game apparatus;

FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention spinning game apparatus;

FIG. 8 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention spinning game apparatus;

FIG. 9 sets forth a perspective view of an illustrative spinning ball game play apparatus;

FIGS. 10A and 10B set forth examples of game play control cards utilized in the present invention spinning ball game; and

FIG. 11 sets forth a partial section view of the present invention spinning ball game play apparatus taken along section lines 11-11 in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

By way of overview, the present invention spinning ball game apparatus includes a closed housing, such as a sphere, having a clear or transparent tinted spherical wall. The spherical housing defines an interior within which a plurality of smaller spheres, such as metal balls or the like, are freely moveable rolling upon the interior surface of the spherical wall. In the preferred fabrication of the invention, an aperture provides for insertion of the smaller spheres into the interior after which the closure of the spherical wall is completed. This closure may include a plug or closure element which is joined to the spherical wall to cover the aperture.

During game play, described below for example in FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B, the user holds the spherical housing and by imparting movement to the spherical housing excites one or more of the smaller spheres within the spherical housing into movement against the interior wall of the spherical housing. By controlling the extent of movement, the speed of movement and the movement timing with respect to the small sphere motion, the user may impart a variety of motion combinations to the smaller spheres. In one embodiment of the invention, the spherical housing includes a designated zone or portion which is given special significance in the game play. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the spherical housing may be replaced by other shaped housings preferably having cylindrical wall segments to provide circular or orbital motion of the smaller spheres. Such shapes may include but are not limited to truncated spheres having flat portions at the poles of the sphere, toroidal housings or frusto-conical housings.

More specifically, FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a spinning ball game apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Spinning ball game apparatus 10 includes a sphere 11 formed of a clear or tinted transparent material having a spherical wall forming an enclosure therein. As is better seen in FIG. 2, sphere 11 includes a relatively thin, preferably one-eighth inch to one-half inch thick, transparent or tinted spherical wall 18 defining an interior surface 14. Returning to FIG. 1, sphere 11 further includes a closure 12 described below in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that closure 12 is operative to complete the spherical enclosure formed by sphere 11. In further accordance with the present invention, spinning ball game apparatus 10 includes a plurality of small spherical balls 20 through 24 captivated within the interior of sphere 11. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that sphere 11 may be formed as a single unit such as shown in FIG. 1 which preferably comprises a clear molded plastic structure. Alternatively, and as is better seen in FIG. 8 below, sphere 11 may be formed of a pair of hemisphere which are joined using conventional sonic welding, adhesive attachment or other techniques to complete the sphere enclosure. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the housing may be formed as a sphere having an open aperture formed in the sphere top. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, balls 20 through 24 are formed of heavy metal spheres such as conventional ball bearings. Thus, in the preferred fabrication of the invention, balls 20 through 24 comprise smooth shiny steel or other metal spheres freely moveable within the interior of sphere 11. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that sphere 11 and balls 20 through 24 as well as sphere 11 may be varied in size without departing from the present invention. It has been found that the size of sphere 11 is best selected to be between two and eight inches in diameter and balls 20 through 24 selected to be between one-fourth inch and one inch in diameter. The combination of a sphere (sphere 11) having a diameter of five inches together with a plurality of balls (balls 20 through 24) having diameters of seven-sixteenths of an inch provides a preferred game play apparatus. It will also be noted that the number of balls utilized within sphere 11 may be varied. In the examples shown, the number of balls is varied between four and six. However, different numbers of balls may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

During variations of game play, the user holds sphere 11 in one or both hands and imparts motion to sphere 11 which in turn disturbs the positions of spheres 20 through 24 and imparts energy thereto. As the movement of sphere 11 continues, the degree of energy imparted to spheres 20 through 24 increases causing substantial motion of one or more of spheres 20 through 24. As the user learns to time the movements and movement directions imparted to sphere 11, various movement patterns may be imparted to spheres 20 through 24. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user has endeavored to move and coordinate the extent of movement, speed of movement and timing of sphere movement relative to the movement of a selected sphere, in this case sphere 24. The example shown in FIG. 1 shows game apparatus 10 operating such that spheres 20 through 23 remain in the lower portion of sphere 11 while sphere 24 is orbiting against the inner wall of sphere 11 in the direction indicated by arrow 25. The alternate positions of sphere 24 are shown in the described orbit in phantom line depiction. Thus the user is able to continue to move sphere 24 without substantially disturbing the positions of sphere 20 through 23. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this play pattern is just one of a virtually endless variety of play patterns which the user may attempt to facilitate as sphere 11 is manipulated. For example, moving sphere 11 dramatically and rapidly excites all of spheres 20 through 24 and will cause them all to assume orbits similar to that enjoyed by sphere 24 in the example of FIG. 1. Additionally, still further variations can be achieved in which a small number of spheres 20 through 24 are orbiting while the remaining spheres occupy the lower positions of sphere 11. It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that while closure 12 is shown at the upper pole of sphere 11 during this play pattern, the position of closure 12 may be varied to other positions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In general accordance with the game play variations described herein, spinning ball game apparatus 10 may be “played” by multiple participants in a variety of play patterns and game play scenarios. By way of example, game apparatus 10 may be manipulated by one player to get some or all of spheres 20 through 24 orbiting within sphere 11 and thereafter pass spinning game apparatus 10 to another participant. In this play pattern the object would be for the receiving participant to coordinate movement during the handoff and continue the movement and orbiting of spheres 20 through 24. This passing off continues and may be varied by still further requirements that the game apparatus change its orbiting sphere pattern to increase or decrease the number of orbiting spheres as player after player participates. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the size of sphere 11 and the sizes of spheres 20 through 24 may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, sphere 11 may be substantially smaller to facilitate handling with one hand. Alternatively, sphere 11 may be enlarged to necessitate handling with two hands. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while FIG. 1 shows the basic apparatus for the present invention, substantial variations of the game apparatus may be employed to further enhance the challenge of game play.

FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of game apparatus 10 taken along section lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. As described above, game apparatus 10 includes a clear or transparent sphere having a spherical wall 18 which in turn defines a spherical interior surface 14. Sphere 11 further includes a closure 12 set forth below in FIGS. 3A and 3B in greater detail. However, suffice it note here that closure 12 meets the basic need of forming sphere 11 in a manner that facilitates depositing a plurality of smaller spheres 20 through 24 into interior 13 formed within sphere 11. To further enhance game play from the basic unit shown in FIG. 1, a zone 15 is marked upon the lower portion of sphere 11. In accordance with this variation of game play apparatus, the user may for example attempt to maintain one or more of spheres 20 through 24 within zone 15, which sets off the lower portion of sphere 11, while obtaining orbital motion about the major diameter of sphere 11. In further accordance with anticipated variations and enhancements of game play, spheres 20 through 24 may be uniquely identifiable one from another by bearing distinguishing characteristics such as different colors. Thus, sphere 22 may be colored to exhibit one color, such as red, while sphere 23 may be colored in accordance with another color, such as blue, and so on. The color distinctions of spheres 20 through 24 remain observable during the spinning actions of spheres 20 through 24 during game play.

FIGS. 3A and 3B set forth alternative forms of providing closure 12 within sphere 11. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in accordance with different fabrication techniques which may be utilized to form sphere 11, alternative closure methods may be obtained. Thus, FIGS. 3A and 3B set forth illustrative closure apparatus which will be understood to be solely for illustration and limitation of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 3A sets forth a partial section view of spinning ball game apparatus 10 having a portion of sphere 11 and spherical wall 18 thereof. As mentioned above, spherical wall 18 further defines an interior surface 14. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, an aperture must be provided during game apparatus fabrication to facilitate the deposit of spheres 20 through 24 within the sphere interior. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, closure 12 utilizes the thermal properties of the plastic material from which sphere 11 is fabricated to “melt” a closure and provide a generally continuous spherical surface 14 therein.

FIG. 3B sets forth a partial section view of game apparatus 10 showing sphere 11 having spherical wall 18 and interior surface 14. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3B, an aperture 16 is formed in spherical wall 18. Aperture 16 facilitates the deposition of spheres 20 through 24 (seen in FIG. 1) into sphere 11. Thereafter, a closure plug 17 preferably formed of a cooperating similar molded plastic material is received within aperture 16 and is joined to the surrounding portion of sphere 11 by conventional attachment such as sonic welding, adhesive attachment or other means of fabrication. In the preferred fabrication of closure 12, closure plug 17 defines a concave spherical surface which is of the same radius and therefore continuous with spherical surface 14 within sphere 11.

FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention spinning ball game apparatus supported within a cooperating product package generally referenced by numeral 30. Package 30 is fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and is formed of a paper board or cardboard material suitable for product packaging. In the preferred form of fabrication, package 30 is substantially cubed-shaped defining a plurality of side facets 31, 32, 33 and 34 together with a folding top facet 35 and a bottom facet 36. In order to provide a “try-me” feature for product package 30, facets 31 through 34 as well as top facet 35 and bottom facet 36 each define respective enlarged viewing apertures 41 through 46. In the manner set forth in greater detail below in FIG. 5, spinning ball game apparatus 10 is supported within the interior of package 30 and is aligned with apertures 41 through 46. As described above, spinning ball game apparatus 10 includes a clear or transparent sphere 11 within which a plurality of smaller spheres 20 through 24 are enclosed. The structure of product package 30 facilitates a try-me feature for the combination of product package 30 and spinning ball game apparatus 10. Such try-me packages have assumed great popularity in the toy and game arts and are useful in enhancing sales of the toy or game products. In the present invention, the support of spinning ball game apparatus 10 within product package 30 allows the potential purchaser to initially try the present invention without removing it from package 30. Thus, the user is able to hold product package 30 having spinning ball game apparatus 10 supported therein and impart motion thereto in the above-described manner. The action of smaller spheres 20 through 24 in response to movement and motion of the combination of product package 30 and spinning ball game apparatus 10 may be easily observed through enlarged apertures 40 through 46. In this manner, it is anticipated that many potential purchasers will be enticed into purchasing the game apparatus.

FIG. 5 sets forth a section view of product package 30 and game apparatus 10 taken along section lines 5-5 in FIG. 4. As described above, package 30 includes a plurality of side facets 41 through 44 together with a top facet 35 and a bottom facet 36. As is also described above, facets 31 through 34 define respective apertures 41 through 44 while top 35 defines an aperture 45 and bottom 36 defines an aperture 46. In the example shown for product package 30 in FIG. 5, top facet 45 is hinged to side facet 33 to facilitate opening and closing of product package 30.

In accordance with the present invention and to facilitate the try-me feature provided by product package 30, a frusto-conical support 25 is secured to top 35 and a corresponding frusto-conical support 26 is secured to bottom 36. Ball game apparatus 10 having sphere 11 is received between frusto-conical supports 25 and 26 to maintain the centered position of sphere 11 relative to apertures 41 through 46. Thus in FIG. 5, spinning ball game apparatus is supported within the interior of product package 30 such that sphere 11 and smaller spheres 20 through 24 are viewed through apertures 41 through 46.

FIG. 6 sets forth a partially sectioned view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 50. Spinning ball game apparatus 50 defines a generally toroidal housing 51 having a clear or transparent wall 52 defining an interior surface 53. An interior volume 54 is formed with toroidal 51. A plurality of small spheres such as the above-mentioned metal balls 60 through 63 is received within and freely moveable within interior 54. While the shape of spinning ball game apparatus 50 differs from the spherical shape shown and described above, the play pattern generally mimics that described above. Thus, toroidal housing 51 may be manipulated to excite and impart motion to spheres 60 though 63 as they are causes to orbit upon interior surface 53. In addition however, the toroidal shape of housing 51 facilitates further variations of game play due to the non-spherical character of the toroidal. Thus in one orientation, the plurality of small spheres may be cause to orbit about the outer surface of surface 53 in a similar fashion to the spherical housing described above. However, in addition the smaller circular cross section of toroidal housing 51 facilitates other interesting orientations and orbit patterns for spheres 60 through 63.

FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 70. Spinning ball game apparatus 70 functions in much the same manner as the spherical ball game apparatus shown and described above. However, game apparatus 70 differs from game apparatus 10 in that a spherical housing 71 is truncated to include a pair of opposed flat surfaces 72 and 73. A plurality of smaller spheres 74 through 79 are received within truncated sphere 71. The play pattern for spinning ball game apparatus 70 may be carried forward in substantially the same manner as described above for the spherical embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. Alternatively however, the presence of truncated flat surfaces 72 and 73 facilitate additional game play variations not achievable with a fully spherical housing.

FIG. 8 sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 80. Spinning ball game apparatus 80 is substantially identical to spinning ball game apparatus 10 shown and described above with the difference being found in the manner in which the spherical enclosure is fabricated. Spinning ball game apparatus 80 utilizes a spherical housing formed of a cooperating hemispherical portions 81 and 82 which are joined along a seam 83. The fabrication of spinning ball game apparatus 80 in this manner renders the insertion of a plurality of smaller spheres 84 through 87 while hemispheres 81 and 82 are separated. As would be expected, the fabrication of game apparatus 80 is substantially lower in cost and simpler using hemispherical portions 81 and 82 joined along seam 83. In accordance with conventional fabrication techniques, seam 83 comprises a conventional attachment for joining hemispherical portions 81 and 82 which may include, but is not limited to, adhesive attachment or sonic welding.

FIG. 9 sets forth a perspective view of a spinning ball game constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 90. Spinning ball game 90 includes a sphere 100 constructed substantially in the manner set forth above together with a plurality of game play cards 135 and a timer 130. Sphere 100 is constructed substantially in accordance with the spinning ball game apparatus set forth and described above in FIGS. 1 and 2. Sphere 100 is formed of a pair of clear hemispherical portions 101 and 102 joined to form a hollow sphere. The attachment of hemispherical portions 101 and 102 is facilitated by a plurality of fastenings 110, 111, 112 and 113 preferably equally spaced about the equator of sphere 100. The structure of fastenings 110 through 113 is set forth below in FIG. 11 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that fastenings 110 through 113 cooperate to maintain secure attachment of hemispherical portions 101 and 102 to provide a clear transparent hollow sphere for game play. Hemispherical portion 102 further defines a red zone 106 defining an upper edge 105. Zone 106 is preferably colored in distinct color such as red and extends downwardly from edge 105 to designate and distinguish zone 106. The importance of zone 106 will become apparent in the game play descriptions which follow. Suffice it to note here that zone 106 indicates an area within the interior of sphere 100. A band 115 encircles fastenings 110 through 113 to facilitate ease of handling of sphere 100. A plurality of metal spheres 125 through 129 are captivated within the interior of sphere 100.

Card deck 135 provides a plurality of game play directive cards such as the examples shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B described below. Timer 130 is entirely conventional in fabrication and may, for example, be provided by the type of “start/stop” timer utilized in games such as tournament chess, or the like. Importantly, timer 130 includes a dial readout 131 together with a timing starting button 132 and a timing stop button 133.

FIGS. 10A and 10B set forth illustrative examples of game play control cards of the type utilized in game play apparatus 90 forming card deck 135 (seen in FIG. 9). FIG. 10A shows a game play card 140 having a face 141 upon which a general set of game play instructions are found. In the example given by game play card 140, the player having drawn card 140 is directed to attempt to deposit two balls within red zone 106 (seen in FIG. 9) while maintaining the remaining balls in a spinning orb outside of zone 106 (seen in FIG. 9). Face 141 also bears a time limit and a point enumeration which defines the time allotted for performance of this task and the points awarded upon successful completion.

FIG. 10B sets forth a further example of game control cards generally referenced by numeral 142. Game card 142 provides a more advanced increased difficulty task for the player having drawn card 142 to perform. Card 142 defines a face 143 upon which indicia is provided which directs the player to initially maintain two balls within red zone 106 (seen in FIG. 9) and thereafter deposit a third ball to maintain three balls within red zone 106. Once again, the time allotted and the points to be obtained for successful completion are set forth on face 143.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that cards 140 and 142 are merely illustrative of a virtually endless variety of game control cards which may be utilized in carrying forward the present invention game. Of importance, with respect to the present invention game, is the provision of a designated task utilizing sphere 100 and the allotment of a scoring indicia such as points allowed and time allotted for the task.

In the anticipated game play, a variety of different games and game play procedures may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For the most part, it is anticipated that a plurality of players take turns in accordance with a chosen sequence each turn being characterized by drawing a card from card deck 135 (seen in FIG. 9) and in response to the indicated task, picking up sphere 100 and agitating sphere 100 in a maneuver generally referred to in the game play as a “popcorn” maneuver. For the most part, the popcorn maneuver is intended to start by shaking the sphere to randomize the ball movement and location within the sphere. Thereafter, game play proceeds as each player having drawn a card exercises a popcorn maneuver then manipulates sphere 100 to orbit and move the smaller spheres or balls within the sphere interior to achieve the designated task. Once a player either successfully completes the designated task within the allotted time or alternatively fails to complete the task has finished his or her attempt, sphere 100 is again placed at rest and the next player in the sequence selects a card from card deck 135 (seen in FIG. 9).

During game play utilizing the advanced game control cards such as card 142 shown in FIG. 10B, the player's task is made more challenging and difficult by requiring a transition from one designated state to another. In the example described above for card 142, a player is required to successfully orbit three of the five balls within sphere 100 and deposit the remaining two balls within red zone 106 and thereafter transition a third ball from orbit to red zone 106.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of game scenarios may be played utilizing the present invention game apparatus. One interesting variation occurs when a “team” concept is employed. In the team concept, a first player is required to manipulate the spinning ball sphere to achieve a given distribution of orbiting and resting balls within the spherical apparatus and maintain this pattern while passing the apparatus to a successive player who then must maintain the pattern of orbiting and resting balls during the transfer between players. Still further variations may readily be envisioned in which different play scenarios are utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 11 sets forth a partial section view taken along section lines 11-11 in FIG. 9. The purpose of FIG. 11 is to set forth the structure of fastenings 110 through 113 by which hemispherical portions 101 and 102 are joined. As mentioned above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of spherical structures may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, FIG. 11 sets forth the structure of fastening 110. It will be understood that fastenings 111, 112 and 113 are substantially identical in structure and thus the descriptions set forth relating to FIG. 11 will be understood to be apply equally well to fastenings 111, 112 and 113.

More specifically, hemispherical portion 101 defines an outwardly extending flange 107 while hemispherical portion 102 defines an outwardly extending flange 108. Flange 108 further defines a threaded boss 109. Hemispherical portions 101 and 102 meet along a seam 103 formed there between. A conventional fastener 120 such as a conventional self-taping screw is driven through apertures formed in flanges 107 and 108 to engage threaded boss 109. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, fastenings 110 through 113 are covered by an encircling band 115. Band 115 may be formed from simple flexible hollow tubing which has been joined end to end by conventional attachment to form an encircling band which is positioned to cover fastenings 110 through 113.

What has been shown is a novel and interesting spinning ball game apparatus in which a housing enclosure preferably formed of a clear or transparent material captivates a plurality of freely movable small spheres to facilitate game play as the housing is rapidly moved. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the housing shape as well as the number of smaller spheres enclosed therein may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be equally apparent that a variety of game play patterns may be implemented utilizing this novel and inventive spinning ball game apparatus.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A spinning ball game apparatus comprising: a generally spherical housing formed of a transparent material and defining a generally spherical interior surface; a zone formed on a portion of said interior surface; and a plurality of spherical balls substantially smaller than said housing contained within said housing and freely rolling upon said interior surface, said balls moving against said interior surface when said housing is rapidly moved.
 2. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 1 wherein said zone is tinted to be visually distinguishable from the remainder of said generally spherical housing.
 3. The spinning ball game apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said generally spherical housing may be oriented and held by a player such that said zone occupies the lower portion of said generally spherical housing and said plurality of balls rest in said zone.
 4. The spinning ball game apparatus set forth in claim 3 further including a plurality of game control cards and a timer.
 5. The spinning ball game apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein said plurality of game control cards each include a face having a task, a time and a point value printed thereon.
 6. A spinning ball game apparatus comprising: a spherical housing formed of a transparent material and defining spherical interior and exterior surfaces and an interior volume; and a plurality of spherical balls substantially smaller than said spherical housing within said interior volume and freely rolling upon said interior surface, said spherical balls rolling upon said interior surface when said spherical housing is moved by a player.
 7. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 6 wherein said spherical housing is formed of a clear material.
 8. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 7 wherein said spherical housing defines a first diameter between two inches and eight inches and wherein said spherical balls define second diameters between one-fourth inch and one inch.
 9. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 8 wherein said first diameter is approximately five inches and said second diameters are each approximately seven sixteenths of an inch.
 10. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 9 wherein said spherical housing is formed of a pair of hemispherical portions joined to form a completed sphere.
 11. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 10 wherein said plurality of spherical balls is selected to be greater than three and less than seven.
 12. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 7 wherein said spherical housing further includes a designated zone formed of a visually distinct portion of said interior surface.
 13. The spinning ball game set forth in claim 12 wherein said designated zone is tinted. 